There was a stunned feeling in Pittsburgh's locker room following that game. The Bengals hadn't swept the season series with the Steelers since 1998. Hines Ward and Deshea Townsend were rookies that season. The Bengals had only beaten the Steelers four times in 11 seasons.

So, with Cincinnati holding the division tiebreaker, the Steelers will spend the rest of the regular season in chase mode, knowing they have to finish ahead of the Bengals to win the AFC North.

That quest begins today at Kansas City, where the Steelers are 10-point favorites over the Chiefs.

Unlike some of the other struggling teams in the league, the Chiefs have been competitive in most of their games, particularly those at home. Several of those competitive games have come against teams that aren't as skilled offensively as the Steelers.

Troy Polamalu won't play this week for the Steelers after suffering a sprained knee ligament. That is more than balanced out by Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City's top wide receiver, being suspended for the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

How big is the loss of Bowe for the Chiefs? His 33 receptions are 12 more than anyone else on the team. His 466 receiving yards are 240 more than any teammate.

For an offense that was already as potent as a popgun, that's not good news.

Take Pittsburgh, 31-10, as the Pick of the Week.

"You only have one life, and you will not get out alive. Make the most of your time and have no regrets." - Me.